Integrated Planning and Reporting Manual - Division of Local ...

2. THE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN
2.4 Agreeing on principles
The new planning framework does not prescribe a set of principles for communities (other than
those already included in the Council Charter). It is up to each community to decide what the
underpinning principles will be for its Community Strategic Plan. The principles chosen should aim
to become a part of every day decision-making, actions and management.
The Council Charter (Local Government Act 1993 Section 8) comprises a set of principles that are
to guide a council in the carrying out of its functions. A council may add other principles not
inconsistent with those in the Charter.
One principle requires councils to “properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and
conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with
and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development”.
There are many different views on what constitutes a ‘sustainable community’. Some councils are
already involved in sustainability-based programs, such as Cities for Climate Protection or Local
Agenda 21. Others have used commonly accepted definitions of sustainability to inform their longterm
plans and sustainability plans. Some have developed their own definition of sustainability in
partnership with the community.
Some principles councils may wish to consider include:
The ‘Melbourne Principles’ for Sustainable Cities. These were devised as part of the United
Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Although they are nominally for ‘cities’, the principles
apply equally to smaller communities. For more information, see the website
http://www.iclei.org/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/ANZ/WhatWeDo/TBL/Melbourne_Prin
ciples.pdf.
The sustainability principles outlined in the NSW Local Government Sustainability Health
Check, developed by Local Government Managers Australia, NSW and the former
Department of Environment and Conservation. This is available from the LGMA website
www.lgmansw.com.au.
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) can also provide
guidance. More information is available from the ICLEI website www.iclei.org.
The Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 and the Environmental Protection
Authority Act define environmental sustainable development as requiring the effective integration of
economic and environmental considerations in decision-making processes.
The National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) defines ESD as: “using,
conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life
depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased”.
This highlights that councils must consider the different options for determining the principles that
will guide the development of their Community Strategic Plan and choose the approach that suits its
community best.
Underpinning the planning and reporting framework is the need for councils to take a long-term view
when making decisions and the need to consider social, economic and environmental aspects as
well as the needs of existing and future generations.
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